The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: How a 19th‑Century Tale Became Halloween’s Ghostly Icon

Washington Irving’s 1820 tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” unexpectedly became the backbone of Halloween imagery. From its Headless Horseman and pumpkin symbol to silent films, Disney shorts, Burton’s horror movie, school curricula, and community theater, the story has woven itself into October traditions worldwide.

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